Staff Reporter:
Pohela Boishakh is a day to celebrate for all Bangalis across the globe — to revel in the spirit of diversity and inclusivity that our culture and history embody.
It is a day that is significant for the very identity of every Bangali, and unites us all despite differences in language, social status, or religious beliefs.
The Bangla New Year allows us to not only join in on the vibrant festivities on every street, but also offers a renewed chance to reflect on, and learn from, past mistakes.
From occurrences of communal violence to a unfortunate ignorance towards the many cultures and languages in the country, it seems that we often forget what we as a nation stand for.
Pohela Boishakh is a reminder for all to leave any prejudice behind, to accept differences in opinions, and to embrace unity in diversity.
As we set out to celebrate the arrival of the new year today, it is essential that we get to do so safely.
Despite the joyous nature of this day, there have been a number of mishaps that we have witnessed in the past, and the security of the general public has, unfortunately, been compromised in ways that were truly uncalled for.
With this year’s Pohela Boishakh coinciding with Ramadan, like last year, the authorities have taken initiatives to control the scale of the events.
While public safety should be our top priority, it is also important that the traditional rituals and customs of the day are allowed to be observed with the same fervor we have always demonstrated.
As we usher in a new year, let this be a new beginning for us, as a people, to start afresh and build the united nation we were meant to become.
Shubho Noboborsho!
